Sociological study of awareness and involvement of women in Vinnytsia in breast cancer screening

Annotation. Almost 30% of breast cancer (BC) cases in Ukraine are registered in advanced stages, which requires improvement of secondary prevention of BC. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the female population of Vinnytsia about the methods of timely diagnosis of BC and their adherence to BC screening. The sociological study was carried out according to a specially developed program through an anonymous online survey on the Google Forms platform. The link to the questionnaire was sent out in public chats on social networks in Vinnytsia in October 2024. The study covered 403 Vinnytsia women over 18 years of age. The database was formed, and its statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel. The statistical significance of differences between the comparison groups was assessed using the Pearson χ2 criterion. The results of the study showed low awareness and medical activity of women regarding secondary prevention of BC. Almost a quarter (22.4±2.1%) of the respondents had never performed Breast Self-Examination (BSE). The main reasons for the lack of practice of BSE indicated by women were lack of time (38.0±2.4%), lack of knowledge and skills in the method of BSE (30.0±2.3%). Among women practicing BSE, only 30.1±2.3% do it with the required frequency - once a month. Women realize the importance of screening for BC using mammography and breast ultrasound (82.7±1.9% of respondents indicated the need for annual examinations), but in practice, 58.3±2.5% of them have never had a mammogram in their lives, and 32.0±2.3% – breast ultrasound. The lowest levels of awareness and adherence to BC screening were found among young women (18-34 years old) and single women. Women health workers are more involved in breast cancer screening than representatives of other professions, but even among them, the proportion of women who do not know methodic of BSE was 15.8±2.3%, have never had a breast ultrasound in their life – 30.0±2.9%, mammography – 55.2±3. Information and explanatory work among women need to be improved to increase their awareness of secondary breast cancer prevention methods, the importance of screening tests for early detection of breast cancer and the formation of a responsible attitude to their health.